Sarah ‘Tex’ Perkins the hero as Adelaide Crows qualify for AFLW grand final against Brisbane Lions
FOUR-goal hero Sarah ‘Tex’ Perkins bounced back from a tough fortnight both personally and professionally to lead the Crows into the inaugural AFLW grand final on Sunday.
FOUR-goal hero Sarah ‘Tex’ Perkins bounced back from a tough fortnight both personally and professionally to lead the Crows into the inaugural AFLW grand final on Sunday.
Adelaide’s cult hero full forward had been down on form and mourning the sudden passing of her aunt who lost her battle with cancer two weeks ago but produced an inspired performance in the win over Collingwood.
“I was very disappointed with my game (against Melbourne) last week, I’d gone to Darwin a bit to acclimatise to conditions and I played a game there before Christmas,” she said.
“So to bounce back and for us to get the result today I’m really happy.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks for my family but I’ve had such great support.”
Perkins admitted to getting a bit emotional after yesterday’s win which was the latest chapter in her fairytale rise from being overlooked in the draft to a dominant forward of the competition.
“I just didn’t expect it was going to happen, to be here and in this position,” she said.
“Obviously it’s pretty amazing but as soon as we get off this bus and get to the airport it’s business as usual.
“But Erin (Phillips) spoke to us after the game and said we have to enjoy this week because it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The Crows play Brisbane, who they lost to by three points in Round 5, for the inaugural AFLW premiership on Saturday, Mach 25.
“We’ll go back and look at that game (Round 5),” Perkins said.
“I think the main thing is to make sure we play Crows football and we’ve proven when we do that we can be dangerous.
“Crows football is a fast and physical game.”
Coach Bec Goddard praised Perkins for turning it on in a big game by kicking goals herself and setting others up inside 50m.
“Whether she’s kicking goals or taking marks, she’s always doing something in the forwardline,” Goddard said.
“She was not happy with her performance against Melbourne and was very intent on being better today.
“That doesn’t mean she’s looking for stats, she’s looking to bring her forwards into the game and reward the midfielders for the work they’re doing.
“And as a result she had a fantastic game.”
Perkins’ four goals took her tally to 11 for the season, putting her second on the leader board behind Carlton’s Darcy Vescio on 14.
reece.homfray@news.com.au